Composer

:

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1676

Publication Date

:

1905

Average_duration

:

7:30

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's 'Mystery Sonata No. 5 in A major Jesus in the Temple, C. 94' is a composition for solo violin and continuo. It is part of a collection of 15 sonatas called the 'Rosary Sonatas' or 'Mystery Sonatas', which were composed in the mid-17th century. The sonatas are named after the mysteries of the Rosary, a series of events in the life of Jesus and Mary that are meditated upon by Catholics. The 'Mystery Sonata No. 5 in A major Jesus in the Temple, C. 94' was composed around 1676 and premiered in Salzburg, Austria. It is divided into four movements: Prelude, Allamanda, Sarabanda, and Gigue. The sonata is characterized by its use of scordatura tuning, where the violin's strings are tuned differently than usual. In this case, the violin's A string is tuned down to G, creating a unique sound and allowing for new possibilities in playing. The first movement, Prelude, is a virtuosic display of the violin's capabilities. It begins with a series of fast arpeggios and runs, followed by a slower, more contemplative section. The second movement, Allamanda, is a dance in triple meter that features a lively melody and intricate ornamentation. The third movement, Sarabanda, is a slow, mournful dance in triple meter that showcases the violin's expressive capabilities. The final movement, Gigue, is a fast dance in compound meter that brings the sonata to a lively and energetic close. Overall, the 'Mystery Sonata No. 5 in A major Jesus in the Temple, C. 94' is a masterful example of Biber's skill as a composer and his innovative use of scordatura tuning. Its four movements showcase a range of emotions and technical abilities, making it a beloved work in the violin repertoire.

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